Jain Tirth Margdarshikka - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Tirth Margdarshikka" by Pradip Jain:

Book Title: Jain Tirth Margdarshikka (Guide to Jain Pilgrimage Sites)

Author: Pradip Jain (from Dabhoi)

Publisher: Jain Mitra Karyalay

Overall Purpose: The book is a comprehensive guide designed to assist Jain pilgrims in planning their journeys to various Jain pilgrimage sites (Tirths) across India. It provides essential information for undertaking these spiritual travels, making the pilgrimage process easier and more organized for the devotees.

Key Content and Features:

Extensive Listing of Tirths: The book meticulously lists numerous Jain Tirths located in various states of India, presented in a district-wise or state-wise manner. It covers a vast geographical spread, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar, West Bengal, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi.
Detailed Information for Each Tirth: For each listed Tirth, the book provides crucial details such as:
- Name of the Tirth: Clearly stated for easy identification.
- Address/Location: Specific addresses and general locations to help pinpoint the sites.
- Contact Information: Telephone numbers are frequently provided for contacting the respective Tirth management or local Jain associations.
- Nearby Tirths: Information on other pilgrimage sites located in proximity to the current one, facilitating efficient itinerary planning.
- Key Features/Significance: In some cases, the book highlights the historical or religious significance of a Tirth, the principal deity (Mulnayak), or any special characteristics.
- Facilities: Mentions of available facilities like Dharmashalas (pilgrim rest houses), Bhojanshalas (dining halls), and Upashrayas (places for monks and nuns) are included.
Travel and Route Information: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to providing practical travel information:
- Distance Tables: Several sections feature tables detailing the kilometer distances between various cities and Tirths, particularly within Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar/Jharkhand, and Maharashtra. This is invaluable for planning road trips.
- Railway Timetables: The book includes timetables for Western Railway trains, both "Down" (towards Ahmedabad/Rajasthan) and "Up" (towards Mumbai), providing essential information for train travel to and from key Jain pilgrimage regions.
- Local Transport Information: While not explicitly detailed for every Tirth, the addresses and nearby Tirth information implicitly guide local travel arrangements.
Administrative and Contact Details: The book lists contact persons or organizations responsible for the management of some Tirths, making it easier for pilgrims to make arrangements or seek further information.
Publisher and Editor Information: The book is published by Jain Mitra Karyalay, with Pradip Jain credited for compilation and editing.
Purpose of Compilation: The preface indicates that the book is a compilation of information previously published in the "Jain Mitra" newspaper, fulfilling requests from readers for a consolidated guide. The compiler emphasizes the effort taken to ensure accuracy, referencing other Jain Tirth books and direct communication with trustees.
Supportive Content: The book also includes advertisements for Jain community-related services and institutions, such as "Parshva Classes" for engineering, "Avant Enterprise" for safety products, and "Jay Electricals" for laboratory instruments, as well as advertisements for the "Jain Mitra" newspaper itself and philanthropic organizations like "Vardhaman Seva Kendra." It also features information on daily Choghadiya (auspicious time periods) and railway station codes.
Second Edition: The book is noted to be a second edition, published on 09-03-2005, indicating its popularity and usefulness.
Affordability: Priced at Rs. 40, the book is accessible and intended for widespread use within the Jain community.

Specific Highlights:

Gujarat Focus: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to Tirths within Gujarat, with detailed addresses and phone numbers for many of them.
Rajasthan Coverage: The book also provides extensive coverage of Tirths in Rajasthan, which are known for their exquisite marble architecture.
Promotional Content: Several pages highlight the dedication and services of various Jain institutions and individuals who support the community and the publication.
Practical Utility: The inclusion of distances, phone numbers, and railway information makes the guide highly practical for pilgrims planning their travel logistics.

In essence, "Jain Tirth Margdarshikka" serves as an indispensable travel companion for Jain individuals wishing to visit and experience the spiritual sanctity of Jain pilgrimage sites across India. It aims to simplify the planning and execution of these important spiritual journeys by providing comprehensive, organized, and practical information.